Insulated attic access enclosure

ABSTRACT

An insulated attic access enclosure is formed from at least one side case, preferably two, and a top case that are adapted to receive an insulating material. The side case is wrapped around the attic access opening to define a sidewall enclosure. The top case is positioned atop the sidewall enclosure and may be attached to the sidewall to define at least one hinged access panel in the top case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/078,177, filed Nov. 11, 2014, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to building insulation and, more particularly, to insulation for attic access panels.

Attic access doors in homes are difficult to insulate properly. In significant number of homes, attic access is provided by a folding latter that may be pivoted down when the homeowner needs access to the attic area. Given the structure of the folding ladders, they are difficult to insulate. Most products used to insulate folding attic access doors do not provide adequate energy saving values.

For newer construction, many locality based building codes are increasing requirements on the insulation value, or R-value, for attic access panels. Residential home Attic access openings and attic stair doors are hard to insulate properly due to increased R-value code requirements.

Many home owners use an open fiberglass insulation to cover the access opening above an attic access panel. In these cases, when the fiberglass material needs to be handled, or moved, to provide access to the attic, such movement provides the opportunity for fine fiberglass particulates to be released. The fiberglass particulate can be unhealthy to a person's body, particularly for inhalation risks, and also as a skin irritant when handled without safety gear.

As can be seen, there is a need for improved insulation apparatus and methods for attic access panels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an insulating enclosure for an attic access portal, comprises: at least one side case defining a pocket adapted to receive a length of insulating material, the side case having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal length corresponding to a perimeter of the attic access portal, the side case having a plurality of complimentary fasteners attached at an opposed end of the at least one side case; and a top case defining a pocket adapted to receive a length of insulating material, the case having a length corresponding to a length of the attic access portal and a width corresponding to a width of the access portal. In other aspects, the insulating enclosure may further comprise: an insulating material received within the pocket of the side case and the pocket of the top case. The side case may further comprise a first opening defined in the at least one side case, a fastener operable to close the first opening to contain the insulating material within the side case pocket. The top case may also comprise a top case opening and a fastener operable to close the top case opening to contain the insulating material within the top case pocket.

In other aspects of the invention, the complimentary fasteners are secured to hold the opposed ends of the side case in sealing abutment to define an enclosure sidewall. In a preferred embodiment, the top case is positioned in sealing abutment with the enclosure sidewall, and a hinging fastener may be attached to the top case and disposed intermediate a first end and a second end of the top case to join with a complimenting hinging fastener attached to the side case to an opposing face of the enclosure sidewall, to define at least one top case hinging panel. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the insulating enclosure may comprise a first side case and a second side case.

According to a method of insulating an attic access portal, as yet another aspect of the invention the method comprises: providing an insulating enclosure, comprising; at least one side case defining a pocket adapted to receive a length of insulating material, the side case having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal length corresponding to a perimeter of the attic access portal, the side case having a plurality of complimentary fasteners attached at an opposed end of the at least one side case; a top case defining a pocket adapted to receive a length of insulating material, the case having a length corresponding to a length of the attic access portal and a width corresponding to a width of the access portal. The method may also include installing an insulating material within the pocket of the side case and the pocket of the top case; forming the side case around the attic access portal; fastening the complimentary fasteners to join the opposed ends of the side case to define an enclosure sidewall. Further, the method may include positioning the top case in sealing abutment with the enclosure sidewall. Another aspects of the method may include providing a hinging fastener to the top case and disposed intermediate a first end and a second end of the top case; and providing a complimenting hinging fastener to the side case to an opposing face of the enclosure sidewall. The method may also include: connecting the hinging fastener to the complimenting hinging fastener to define at least one top case hinging panel.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: is a perspective view of an embodiment of an insulated attic access enclosure, shown in use in an exemplary installation.

FIG. 2: is a perspective view of embodiments of enclosure cases according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 3: is a detail perspective view of the invention, illustrating the insertion of an insulation batt 42 into an enclosure case 10.

FIG. 4: is an exploded view of the invention with insulation batts 42 received in the cases, shown in an exemplary installation.

FIG. 5: is a section view of the invention, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6: is a detail section view of an attic access insulated according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7: is a perspective view of the invention, illustrating the opening of the cases and the attic tent to enter or exit the attic FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an insulation material case that may be filled with insulation of desired R-value. The case provides an encapsulation of the insulation material contained therein to permit handling of the insulation material, without the particulate risks associated with conventional open insulation batts. The cases may be arranged and connected to provide an insulating cover for a home's attic access openings, thus reducing energy loss. By inserting fiberglass or other type insulation pieces into a sealed (pillow like) case, made of virtually air tight materials, the case will encapsulate the insulation, restricting the release and exposure to particulate risks associated with fiberglass and other types of insulation.

The insulation properties imparted by the present invention exceeds current building code R-value requirements for attic access openings and folding attic stairs, allowing the installer a choice in desired insulation. The insulated attic access panel enclosure can be used independently to insulate and seal attic access openings or combined with certain other products to increase their performance.

As best seen in reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 7, an embodiment of an insulated attic access enclosure of the present is shown surrounding an opening in an attic floor 46 providing access a household attic area. The attic opening is generally covered by an access panel, or door 48. In many instances the access panel 48, includes an integrated foldable ladder assembly that may be lowered and extended to permit a user to climb the ladder and gain access to the attic through the attic access opening. When not in use, the ladder may be folded and pivotally retracted into the attic access opening. The present invention is suitable for application to attic openings with or without an integrated ladder assembly.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in a preferred embodiment, the insulated attic access enclosure may include a top case 10, a first side case 12, and a second side case 14. Each case is formed as an elongate fabric pocket, or envelope, which is adapted to receive a length of a fiberglass batt 42, or other type insulation material. According to one aspect of the invention, the cases are provided as a kit that may be readily transported to an installation site and filled with insulating material at the installation site. This permits the kit to be transported, shelved, and stored as a compact set of components.

In this embodiment, each case preferably has at least one opening, along an edge of the case through which the insulation 42 may be received, such as but not limited to, an opening defined along a longitudinal edge of the case. The opening is provided with a fastener 18, such as a zipper, hook-and pile fabric, or similar, so that the case may be closed to encapsulate the insulation 42 to be retained within the case. The remaining edges of the case may be closed, such as by a fold in the fabric material, or they may be joined edges of fabric material, having a seam 20 and 22, formed by stitching, adhesives, or thermal welds. The case material 16, may be any suitable heavy duty material, such as nylon, polyester, vinyl, plastic, that can substantially contain fiberglass and insulation material. In a less preferred embodiment, the cases 10, 12, and 14 may be filled with insulation material 42 at a factory. However, this would add considerable bulk to the kit during transport, shelved, and storage.

The cases 10, 12, 14 may further include a combination of free fastener strips 24, 34, fixed fastener strips 26, 32, buckles, or clips, operatively attached to the cases at various locations to facilitate joining of the cases 10, 12, 14 to form the insulated enclosure of the present invention. To form a preferred enclosure, the first side case 10 and the second side case 14 may be positioned so as to wrap around a frame surrounding the attic opening, or alternatively, an attic tent 36, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application RE 36,975. The side cases 10 and 14, may be held in attached abutment with one another at a first end by complementing fasteners 32 and 34, such as hook and pile fabric, a zipper, a snap, an adhesive, or the like. The abutment of the first ends should be such as to form a seal along the joined edges of the cases 10 and 14. The joined first ends are positioned at a front end of the attic access opening.

A second end of the side cases 10 and 14 may similarly be joined to be held in attached abutment with one another at the second end by complementing fasteners 32 and 34, such as hook and pile fabric, a zipper, a snap, an adhesive, or the like. The second ends of the first and second side cases 10 and 14 are joined so as to form a side wall of the enclosure with an opening defined by the top edges and an insulating contact with the bottom edges around the attic opening. As will be appreciated, while the fasteners 32 & 34 provide some amount of adjustment for the enclosure, the length of the cases 10 and 14, may be dimensioned to accommodate various sizes of attic openings.

In an alternative embodiment, the separate side cases 10 & 14, may alternatively be formed as a single side case that may be wrapped around the periphery of the attic opening to define the enclosure sidewalls. The ends of the case may include fasteners to hold the ends of the case in abutment to seal the enclosure sidewalls. The

The top case 12 is dimensioned so as to fit as a top insulating cover positioned in abutment with the top ends of the first and second side cases 10 & 14. This creates a fully enclosed envelope over and around the attic access opening and attic stair door 48. The ends of the top case 12 may overlap with the ends of the first and second side cases 10 & 14. The lateral edges of the top case 12 may be received and positioned in abutment with the inner sidewall formed by first and second side cases 10 & 14 to form the insulated seal enclosure.

In the embodiment shown in reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and 7, the top case 12 may be configured with a fixed fastener 26 interposed between the ends of the top case 12. The first and second cases 10 & 14 may also be provisioned with free end straps 24 & 28 attached to the first and second side cases 10 & 14 and disposed between the ends of the cases 10 & 14 at an opposed position along the longitudinal length of the side cases 10 & 14. The free end straps 24 & 28 are attached to the fixed fastener 26 with a complementing fasteners so as to couple the top case 12 to the first and second side cases 10 & 14 such that the top case 12 defines at least one hinged flap opening by flexing of the top case 12.

As seen in reference to FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, the free end straps 24 & 28 may, for example, be formed of a Velcro loop pile on the first and second cases 10 & 14, centered near the top and connected with the fixed fastener 26, comprised of Velcro hook (double sided) strap and connected on top the loop strap of case 1. This creates a central supporting and hinging point for case 2 to lie over and between cases 1 & 3. Case 2 creates the top of the cover

Three encapsulated insulation cases may be filled with R-19 to R 38 fiberglass and/or other types of insulation and zipped closed. Once installed, the encapsulated insulation case cover 16 provides additional insulating characteristics. The home owner accesses the attic by pushing up the end of the top case 12, folding it back out of the way to a supported position on the rear end of top case 12. Once opened, the home owner may disconnect the attachment straps, from the upper and lower ends of case 10 and 14 which allows a wider entry portal to the attic, such as for storage of larger items, or for passage of building or repair materials. The homeowner may exit and reseal the attic opening in reverse order.

To form an embodiment of the cases 10, 12, & 14, select a substantially airtight material (nylon, polyester, Mylar, plastic, etc.). For a typical opening, the width may be about 59 inches wide about 100 inches long. The material may be folded in half along the longitudinal length. A ½ inch seam may be sewn in the ends and five inches across the top toward the center opposite the fold. This will leave an unsown, roughly 89 inch opening between the case materials at the opening for the zipper 18, which may be sewn in the opening. This forms a large (pillow case like) bag that is preferably about 99 inches long. The case can then hold common residential pieces of fiberglass and/or other types of insulation. (Standard insulation comes in a variety of standardized sizes, depending on the centers of the joists.) Cases 10, 12 & 14 may then be turned inside out, to create a finish look on each end and along the fastener 18.

The first case 10 may be formed by sewing a 5 inch loop of Velcro near each of the corners, 3 to 5 inches from the top and bottom edges to form the connecting points between case 10 and case 14. Sew a 16.5 inch loop strap starting 3 to 5 inches from the bottom center. Sew only 1.5 inches of one end to the case, leaving 15 inches loose. Case 1 is complete. The top case may be formed by sewing a 15 to 22 inch loop piece to the center position that is preferably equally spaced between the side edges. The second side case 14 may be formed by sewing a 6.5 inch hook piece to each corner 3 to 5 inches from the top and bottom, leaving 5 inches loose.

Each corner hook strap piece of the second side case 14 may connect to the first side case 10 loop corner pieces when assembling over attic access openings and attic stair doors. Next, take a piece of hook strap material 31.5 to 34 inches long, fold in half to double 15 to 16 inches. This leaves about 1.5 inch on the end. Sew the 1.5 inch end centered 3 to 5 inches from the bottom leaving a loose two sided hook strap. This hook strap will connect with the loop strap on case 1 and the center loop piece centered on case 2 during assembly. Case 3 is complete.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An insulating enclosure for an attic access portal, comprising: at least one side case defining a pocket adapted to receive a length of insulating material, the side case having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal length corresponding to a perimeter of the attic access portal, the side case having a plurality of complimentary fasteners attached at an opposed end of the at least one side case; and a top case defining a pocket adapted to receive a length of insulating material, the case having a length corresponding to a length of the attic access portal and a width corresponding to a width of the access portal.
 2. The insulating enclosure of claim 1, further comprising: an insulating material received within the pocket of the side case and the pocket of the top case.
 3. The insulating enclosure of claim 2, further comprising: a first opening defined in the at least one side case, a fastener operable to close the first opening to contain the insulating material within the side case pocket; a top case opening defined in the top case; and a fastener operable to close the top case opening to contain the insulating material within the top case pocket.
 4. The insulating enclosure of claim 3, wherein the complimentary fasteners are secured to hold the opposed ends of the side case in sealing abutment to define an enclosure sidewall.
 5. The insulating enclosure of claim 4, wherein the top case is positioned in sealing abutment with the enclosure sidewall.
 6. The insulating enclosure of claim 5, further comprising: a hinging fastener attached to the top case and disposed intermediate a first end and a second end of the top case; a complimenting hinging fastener attached to the side case to an opposing face of the enclosure sidewall; wherein the hinging fastener is fastened to the complimenting hinging fastener to define at least one top case hinging panel.
 7. The insulating enclosure of claim 1, further comprising: a first side case and a second side case.
 8. A method of insulating an attic access portal, comprising: providing an insulating enclosure, comprising; at least one side case defining a pocket adapted to receive a length of insulating material, the side case having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal length corresponding to a perimeter of the attic access portal, the side case having a plurality of complimentary fasteners attached at an opposed end of the at least one side case; a top case defining a pocket adapted to receive a length of insulating material, the case having a length corresponding to a length of the attic access portal and a width corresponding to a width of the access portal; installing an insulating material within the pocket of the side case and the pocket of the top case; forming the side case around the attic access portal; fastening the complimentary fasteners to join the opposed ends of the side case to define an enclosure sidewall.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: positioning the top case in sealing abutment with the enclosure sidewall.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising; providing a hinging fastener to the top case and disposed intermediate a first end and a second end of the top case; providing a complimenting hinging fastener to the side case to an opposing face of the enclosure sidewall.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: connecting the hinging fastener to the complimenting hinging fastener to define at least one top case hinging panel. 